Have you ever thought to yourself: “Why do Catholics do that?” Perhaps you even find yourself doing something that you only do because you see everyone else doing it. In this space each week we hope to address the question: “Why do Catholics do that?”

A Divided Land

04-15-2018Catholic ThoughtsDavid Lins

I don’t know about you, but in my view, the world has quickly devolved into a divided land, rife with accusation, anger, and assumption. Are you Catholic? You must be okay with holding back women because Catholics don’t let women be priests! Are you pro-life? You must think you can push your beliefs on me! Do you support the second amendment? You must be okay with school shootings! Do you believe genders are real and play a role in who we are? You must be filled with hate because we should just let anyone be whoever they want to be and do whatever they want to do!

Have I gotten your blood pressure up yet? Intelligent dialogue between people who disagree is on the edge of extinction. In a stroke of inescapable irony, disagreeing with the popular narrative is no longer tolerated.

In Luke 24, Jesus says, “Peace be with you. Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have." Then? He asks if there is anything to eat! Basically: Why are you freaking out? I ROSE FROM THE DEAD! You are going to be alright. Now relax. Eat something.

The world has constantly contended with evil. From Christians being fed to the lions to Jews being led to the showers. From people being shot in the streets of Tombstone to people being shot in the streets of Chicago. We need to pray and do what we can, but we should also live with confidence in the risen Christ who has given meaning to suffering and has conquered death. ...and never be afraid to answer the tough questions when people are willing to have a conversation.

Did you know the Catholic Faith actually elevates a woman above all the other saints? That pro-life people are trying to protect the child and the mother? That second amendment supporters pray they will never have to use a gun to defend their family against the mentally sick and deranged, but understand their obligation to do so? That people who recognize and celebrate both genders understand God’s beautiful creation as explained in Theology of the Body?